Breastfeeding and Breast Implants

Breast implants are safe and do not interfere with breastfeeding. The overwhelming majority of women who have had Breast Augmentation surgery not only benefit from an enhanced feeling of femininity and self-esteem, but are also able to channel their maternal bond through breastfeeding. Some women cannot breastfeed successfully, however, regardless of whether or not they have had an augmentation. For these women, there are many other beautiful ways in which they can share and nurture the bond with their baby in early motherhood.

Breast Augmentation Techniques

Breast implants are always placed beneath the breast gland. When Breast Augmentation is completed through a breast fold (Infra-Mammary) or armpit (Trans-Axillary) approach, the implants slide underneath the breast tissue and do not interfere with the gland. When surgery is performed through a small incision around the border of the areola (Peri-Areolar), dissection of some small milk-producing glands and ducts is necessary to allow insertion of the breast implants. However, since the vast majority of the gland is untouched, and the milk ducts that lead to the nipple remain undisturbed, this does not prevent future breastfeeding or breast milk production.

In summary: breast implants DO NOT prevent women from breastfeeding.

Breast Gland Tissue

When an experienced Plastic Surgeon carries out Breast Augmentation, injury to breast gland tissue and milk ducts that would impair milk production ability is very rare. During surgery, Dr. Jugenburg carefully dissects the breast tissue from the underlying muscle to create the pocket into which the breast implant is placed.

Breast implant sizes that are not excessively large and require only minimal dissection of the breast tissue will most likely have no impact on breastfeeding ability.

Some women undergo abreast enlargement because they have underdeveloped (hypoplastic) breasts. These women will likely have problems producing enough milk; not because they have implants, but because they naturally had very little milk-producing breast tissue prior to surgery.

Nipple Sensation After Breast Augmentation

Sensation of the nipple and areola is largely preserved after Breast Augmentation. Any reduction or loss of feeling is usually only temporary and sensation comes back after time.

Sometimes, however, and especially when women choose excessively large breast implants, sensation can decrease. If this effect is significant, it may diminish the ability of the breast to detect a baby’s sucking, which is a stimulant for further milk production. Loss of sensation may also impact a mother’s ability to feel if her baby has not latched on properly, which can cause damage to the nipple.

Silicone in Breast Milk

Some women considering Breast Augmentation worry that silicone from breast implants might contaminate their breast milk. However, breast implants should have no effect on the quality or composition of breast milk. Moreover, even if any silicone were to find its way into the breast milk, it would cause no harm to a baby as it is an inert substance. In fact, silicone rubber is commonly used in baby bottle nipples(teats) for its cleanliness and low extractability. Silicone is also found widely in hair conditioners, shampoos and styling products, and as coatings on pharmaceuticals pills.

Your Breast Augmentation Consultation

Dr. Jugenburg is a highly experienced plastic surgeon who always takes the time to get to know his patients and their needs before committing to any kind of surgery. At your consultation, you will have the opportunity to meet with Dr. Jugenburg, and let him know about the look you want to achieve. The doctor will guide you through the whole breast augmentation process: from the preparations you will need to make, through to the surgical procedure and aftercare. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions and raise any concerns you might have with Dr. Jugenburg and his team of highly qualified and friendly healthcare professionals.

Meet Your Doctor, Dr. Martin Jugenburg

Get in touch with Toronto's foremost plastic and reconstructive surgeon